Johnston Canyon: Summer Walk, Winter Ice and the Current Closure

Johnston Canyon is not operating normally. Parks Canada says the main trail from the car park to the Lower and Upper Falls viewpoints, P1 parking and its facilities have been temporarily closed since 13 October 2026 for rock-slope remediation. Upper Falls and the Ink Pots remain reachable via Moose Meadows. Check the official bulletin on the morning of your visit because this status can change.

What the usual route is like

When open, the main path follows narrow suspended walkways through the canyon. Parks Canada lists 1.1 km one way to Lower Falls. Upper Falls are farther, and the Ink Pots turn a short sightseeing stop into a longer outing. The narrow sections make overtaking difficult; strollers are not recommended.

The closure means you should not arrive expecting the classic short walk from P1. Moose Meadows is an alternative access for stronger walkers, not an identical replacement for the Lower Falls route.

Guided visit or independent walk?

The four-hour e-bike and walking tour in Johnston Canyon has 90 reviews. Before booking, ask which route is used during the closure and whether the itinerary reaches the viewpoint you expect. A guide simplifies transport and conditions; independent travel gives you more control but requires checking parking, transit and bulletins yourself.

Summer and winter are different trips

In summer the main issue is usually congestion on narrow walkways. Start early or use transit rather than assuming a parking space. In winter, ice changes the route and the consequences of a slip. Use footwear and traction suited to current conditions; a commercial “ice walk” may provide equipment, but confirm that on the booking page.

Do not step beyond closures for a photograph. Rock work, ice fall and trail restrictions are operational safety issues, not suggestions.

Plan for the route that exists today

The alternative access is a substantial change for families and anyone with limited mobility. The usual Lower Falls outing is short; reaching Upper Falls or the Ink Pots from another trailhead changes distance, effort and the point at which you can turn back. Parking and transit can also change during a closure. Carry water and a warm layer even when a commercial ice walk supplies traction equipment, and confirm where a four-hour guided outing actually begins and ends.

Our verdict

Johnston Canyon remains worthwhile when the route available matches your fitness and expectations. During the current closure, it is a poor spontaneous stop for someone expecting the easy Lower Falls walk. Check Parks Canada first, then choose Moose Meadows or a tour only if the stated route is genuinely suitable.